The Mazda CX-8 will officially stop production in Japan and Australia in August 2023. Mazda Australia has confirmed that the CX-8 will be removed from its product lineup by the end of 2023, in line with the Japanese market. This decision was made to focus on introducing electrified models and rejuvenating the product lineup.
The Mazda CX-8 has been available in the Australian market for 5 years and has achieved nearly 25,000 cumulative sales. The remaining stock will continue to be sold until 2024 or until it runs out.
Alongside the discontinuation in Japan, the Mazda CX-8 is also being discontinued in other major markets. An image of the Mazda CX-8 is shown below:
Mazda Australia’s Marketing Director, Alastair Doak, stated that the CX-8 has added value to the product lineup since its launch in 2018. The strategy in the Australian market will involve introducing advanced products and engines, including the Mazda CX-80, which will replace the CX-8.
In addition to the CX-8, Mazda Australia is also discontinuing the MX-30 model. These models will be replaced by a range of electrified products, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles, by 2025.
The Mazda CX-80 is expected to be launched in the Japanese market by the end of this year. Its release signifies Mazda’s venture into the higher-end segment, earning it the nickname “Eastern BMW”. The CX-80 belongs to Mazda’s Large Product lineup, along with the CX-60, CX-70, and CX-90. While the CX-60 is a 2-row crossover, the new CX-80 will feature a 3-row interior like its predecessor, the CX-8.
- A mild-hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, 3.3L displacement, generating 340 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It will have an electric motor placed between the engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, including a 4-cylinder gasoline engine, 2.5L displacement, an electric motor, a 17.8 kWh battery, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain will produce a total power of 323 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.
While the CX-8 is being discontinued in Japan and Australia, it is still available in other markets in the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam. The future of the CX-8 in Vietnam remains unclear. In September 2023, the Mazda CX-8 achieved sales of 250 units in Vietnam, with a cumulative figure of 2,130 units for 2023.
Mazda CX-8 faces discontinuation yet again in a major market: Is Vietnam next?
After leaving Japan, Australia will be the next market where Mazda CX-8 will be discontinued.
Mazda CX-80 Unveiled Ahead of Launch
Based on the Mazda CX-60 SUV model, the CX-80 is set to feature a 3-row seating configuration and is scheduled for release in late 2023.
